Laois hospital team can help take the stress out of older people’s life changes

The Frailty and Older Persons Service at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, hosts a special information event as part of Positive Ageing Week.

The event on Tuesday, September 30 from 10 am to 2 pm at Dunnes Stores, The Kyle Centre, Portlaoise, provides information, resources, and support for older adults, families, and caregivers.

The HSE says the initiative aims to raise awareness about frailty in older persons, helping people to understand the signs, symptoms, and supports available. By fostering education and community engagement, the team hopes to empower older adults to maintain independence, health, and well-being for longer.

The team will be on hand to answer questions about the importance of early intervention, nutrition, exercise, and other supports for healthy ageing.

“Our aim is to take the stress out of older people’s inherent life changes by providing clear information, support, and guidance,” said Paula Murphy, Senior Pharmacist with the Frailty and Older Persons Service.

The HSE says the Frailty and Older Persons team at MRHP is committed to promoting positive ageing. Using research and innovation, they are continually enhancing the experience of older adults attending the hospital, while also striving to improve the long-term impacts of ageing. Through education, early interventions, and signposting to community services, the team says it is helping people to live well for longer. The service was recognised nationally, the Irish Healthcare Centre Awards 2025 finals for Healthcare Team of the Year.

The event also features:

• Free HSE educational resources;
• Signposting to local services for older adults;
• Health information and advice from clinical specialists;
• Community raffle supported by national partners.

The 2025 edition of Positive Ageing Week celebrates the power of connection across generations, according Age Action Ireland.
They say ageing well isn’t just about living longer - it’s about living better, with meaning, joy, and a sense of belonging. Age Action says one of the most powerful ways to achieve that is through intergenerational connections. MORE BELOW PHOTO OF PORTLAOISE HOSPITAL.

The charity says that when older and younger generations come together, something magical happens:

• - Wisdom meets curiosity – life lessons shared, and fresh ideas embraced.
• - Traditions meet innovation – stories, culture, and skills passed down, while new technologies open doors.
• - Loneliness meets friendship – creating bonds that strengthen communities and bring joy to daily life.

This year Age Action is also hosting Time For Tea coffee morning!

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“Bringing young and older people around the same table creates opportunities for conversation, laughter, and learning that enrich everyone’s lives,” says Age Action.

If you need some help organising your event contact fundraising@ageaction.ie

Active Ageing week runs from September 26 to October 3.

International Older Persons Day takes place on October 1 to recognise the valuable contributions of older people. Designed by the UN, the day promotes the dignity and independence of seniors and encourages the needs of aging populations through initiatives like strengthening care and support systems and fostering age-friendly communities.